Delsea Regional High student, recent graduate among those killed in Rt. 55 crash

GLASSBORO, N.J. (WPVI) -- Three teenagers were killed Sunday in a violent crash on Route 55 in South Jersey.

It happened around 4:15 p.m. in the northbound lanes in Elk Township, Gloucester County.

New Jersey State Police say a Honda driven by 19-year-old Brenden Cary struck the back corner of a vehicle in front of him and lost control.

Police say the Honda crossed over the right lane and into the shoulder, hitting a minivan that was disabled on the side of the road.

Cary was killed along with his passengers, 19-year-old Dominic Reyes and a 17-year-old who has not been identified by police.

In the minivan, there was a woman and three children who were injured.

Cary was a senior at Delsea Regional High School, and Reyes graduated in 2024.

"We're trying to support everybody. We're trying to sort of come together in this time, but it was definitely a solemn day. It was sad," said Delsea Regional Superintendent Fran Ciociola.

He said counselors would be available at school this week as students and teachers mourn the loss of these young men.

"They were stars in our shop classes and our electrical and plumbing," said Ciociola. "These were two kids that a lot of staff members had connections with, and they were fun, popular kids."

Action News spoke with one friend who just saw Cary two days ago, and said he loved his car, a yellow Honda.

"He loved that car. He drove it around every day," said Adam Hall. "It's really depressing, and we're all kind of torn up about it.

Brenden Cary's legal guardian says the three boys in the car were best friends. She described Brenden as a wonderful and helpful person.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation.